Xcalak & Banco Chinchorro · Mexico · Wall · Reef
Hob Na
Tall, narrow canyons where groupers appear to nest
Area photo: Juan Ortega · CC BY 3.0
Hob Na, also known as Grouper Hangout, lies about 30 minutes north of Xcalak by boat. Very tall, narrow canyon formations, some with large tunnels between them, run from 12 m to 34 m (40 to 110 ft), and groupers are seen here often, some of them appearing to nest among the ridges.
Also known as Grouper Hangout.
Where it is and how deep
No published position for this site — the map shows Xcalak & Banco Chinchorro and its other sites; operators know the mooring.
The dive
Hob Na lies about 30 minutes north of Xcalak by boat. The site was found by accident, when a substitute boat captain dropped divers off at the wrong depth. It is made of very tall, narrow canyon formations, some with large tunnels between them, spanning 12 m to 34 m (40 to 110 ft).
The canyons can be dived two ways: along the tops of the ridges, looking down into the cuts below, or dropping deep down the sides for a closer look. Groupers are seen here frequently, and some of them appear to nest among the ridges, which gives the site its other name, Grouper Hangout.
Marine life and season
- Groupers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Xcalak & Banco Chinchorro: Summer brings the calmest seas and near-daily Chinchorro trips. Hurricane Dean came ashore near Mahahual one August.
Know before you go
- The canyon sides drop to 34 m (110 ft) for divers who take the deeper option instead of the ridge tops.
Questions divers ask
How far is Hob Na from Xcalak?+
Hob Na is about 30 minutes north of Xcalak by boat.
How deep is Hob Na?+
The canyon formations span 12 m to 34 m (40 to 110 ft); the ridge tops are the shallow option and the canyon sides the deep one.
Sources
- XTC Dive Center: recreational diving — XTC Dive Center
- Dive Sites — Diving Xcalak
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